Frequently Asked Questions

What are your English-language testing requirements?

The English-language test scores that may establish English proficiency are:

TOEFL Paper-based exam 550

TOEFL Computer-based 213

TOEFL Internet-based 79

IELTS 6.5

What is your school code for reporting TOEFL score?

The School of Law code is 5810.

I speak and write English fluently. Is a waiver of English-language testing possible?

Yes. You must be able to successfully perform master's-level course work in English. A written request for a waiver of an English-language proficiency test score will be considered if the applicant has earned a university degree in an English-medium institution or has other substantial experience that demonstrates proficiency in the English language.

What is a "Statement of Purpose"?

In a Statement of Purpose, an applicant writes why he or she wants to pursue an LL.M. in the Law of the United States. A statement will describe the student's short-term and long-term goals. The student may also discuss the experience and perspectives he or she would share in the classroom.

From whom should I seek letters of recommendation?

Recommendations should be from persons who know your academic and/or professional work. Your recommenders should address your background, credentials, ability to pursue master's-level study, and how the LL.M. LOTUS program might be of benefit to you. You should not seek recommendations from relatives.

Can I download the application form from your website?

No. If possible, all applications should apply online. If you are unable to apply online, you may request a paper application by emailing us. Please include in your email the reason why you are unable to complete the application online.

Can I attend the LL.M. LOTUS program part-time?

Students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or whose visa status permits may be admitted to the LL.M. LOTUS program on a part-time basis. Part-time students must complete the LL.M. LOTUS program within two years of enrollment. Candidates for admission are advised that the part-time program is not an evening program -- classes are still conducted during the day and thus may preclude or limit employment. Full-time students are enrolled in 13-16 credits per semester.

I have a master's degree. Can I attend the LL.M. LOTUS program?

The LL.M. LOTUS program is specifically designed for foreign lawyers who have already earned a law degree (such as an LL.B.) outside the United States. Other graduate degrees, including Ph.Ds in areas such as history, philosophy and economics, do not confer eligibility to take a bar exam. Students with non-law degrees who wish to learn to practice law in the United States should consider applying to the School of Law's J.D. program.

Are graduates of the LL.M. Program in the Law of the United States eligible to take a bar examination in the United States?

There are several states that permit international LL.M. graduates to take their bar examination, including Maryland, New York, California and the District of Columbia. Many of the states that do permit foreign lawyers to sit for a bar examination have additional requirements that may preclude an LL.M. graduate from taking the bar. We recommend that international students interested in a bar examination check with the Board of Law Examiners of the state where they wish to take the bar to see if they would be eligible. Detailed information regarding admission can be found at the American Bar Association website. (See also the link on the U.S. Practice page to the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements published by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.)

The curriculum of our U.S. Practice track is designed to assist students in learning broad areas of law that are often covered by state bar examinations. Students must further prepare for a particular state's examination. U.S. students often take a "bar review course" for the particular state before sitting for the exam. Some LL.M. LOTUS students have successfully taken bar examinations in New York, the District of Columbia and New Hampsire. The state of Maryland now permits graduates of a Maryland LL.M. program to take its bar examination.

Do you offer scholarships to atttend the LL.M. LOTUS program?

The University of Baltimore offers a limited number of partial scholarships based on merit to LL.M. students. If you are interested in being considered, please ask for consideration when applying for admission.

Students may seek scholarship and grant opportunities through their governments, their employers, the U.S. government and private foundations in the United States and abroad. The U.S. Department of State supports educational advising offices around the world. The advisers provide information on financing study in the U.S. in addition to other aspects of preparing for study here. The educational advising office nearest you can be located at www.educationusa.state.gov. LL.M. LOTUS welcomes Muskie Fellows, www.irex.org and Fulbright Scholars, www.iie.org.

Some U.S. resident students may qualify for income-based funding, such as student loans or work-study programs. Our financial aid office can assist you upon admission to the LL.M. LOTUS program..

Do you provide housing to LL.M. LOTUS students?

What is the cost of tuition to attend? What about expenses?

The University of Baltimore Bursar's Office provides information regarding current tuition and fees. Please note that tuition for the LL.M. LOTUS program $10,000 per semester for full-time students. Part-time students pay by credit hour. In addition, the university's Office of Financial Aid can provide current estimated costs of attendance.

Financing your legal education begins before you step into a classroom and continues after you graduate. Before entering law school, you should have enough money to cover tuition and the expenses of moving into an apartment: security deposit, first two months' rent, utilities, food and insurance (health, car, renter's). Students also should have sufficient available credit to cover books, a few weeks' worth of groceries and other expenses.